Who owns the Moon? Alfredo Carpineti to explore space ethics at Festival of Humanism 2026

As the world looks to the stars for tonight’s Artemis II Moon mission launch, Humanists UK invites you to join us at the Festival of Humanism 2026 to hear from British-Italian astrophysicist and science journalist – and newly announced patron of Humanists UK – Dr Alfredo Carpineti. He will take to the stage to deliver a timely and urgent lecture titled ‘Heavens above! The politics and ethics of space’.

Taking place from 12–14 June at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, the Festival of Humanism 2026 will provide the perfect platform for Dr Carpineti to explore the pressing questions surrounding our cosmic ambitions. He notes that space already dictates our daily lives in ways we rarely appreciate, from satellite networks to global climate monitoring. Yet, the rules governing this vital domain remain dangerously on the fringes of public debate, left to the competing interests of global superpowers, vast industries, and a small clique of centibillionaires.

At the Festival of Humanism 2026, Dr Carpineti will reveal how these scientific endeavours and interplanetary ambitions are anything but neutral. He will argue that the public must be given a voice in shaping what happens above our heads before unchecked commercial and nationalistic decisions become irreversible. With a mooted new age of extraterrestrial expansion already appearing over the horizon, humanity must decide if the final frontier is destined to become a private, plutocratic playground, or if it will be protected as a shared human heritage.

Dr Carpineti is an astrophysicist, science journalist, and dedicated social activist who has spent his career breaking down complex scientific concepts for millions of readers. Holding an MSc in Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces, alongside a PhD in Astrophysics from Imperial College London, he has served as the Senior Staff Writer and Space Correspondent for IFLScience for ten years. Over this decade, he has authored more than 6,000 articles, bridging the crucial gap between academic research and everyday public understanding. Beyond the written word, he is an avid science communicator who produces engaging videos and educational podcasts under the popular moniker The Astroholic.

Alongside his significant scientific achievements, Dr Carpineti is a fierce advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion within the sciences. He is the proud chair and founder of Pride in STEM, an award-nominated British charity dedicated to supporting and showcasing LGBT+ people working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A familiar face to many Humanists UK members, he previously spoke to great acclaim at Humanists UK Convention 2025. His highly anticipated upcoming book, Invisible Rainbows, is due to be published in May 2026 and will explore the incredible astronomical discoveries made with light beyond the limited range of human vision.

Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:

‘We invite all humanists to join us in Bournemouth this June for what promises to be an essential and thought-provoking lecture within a packed weekend. As humanity looks set to return to the cosmos – willingly or otherwise – it is vital that we take our shared humanist values of fairness, equality, and compassion with us as we go. Space exploration raises profound questions around justice, freedom, and rule of law. Alfredo’s talk will be a crucial reminder that these new frontiers must benefit all of humanity – not just a wealthy few.’

Book your tickets for Festival of Humanism 2026 today at humanists.uk/events/festival2026

Festival of Humanism 2026 will bring together humanists from across the country and beyond for a vibrant weekend of science, philosophy, human rights, and culture. The event, which is the newly rebranded successor to the Humanists UK Convention, will be held at the Bournemouth International Centre from 12–14 June 2026. President of Humanists International Maggie Ardiente joins a stellar line-up of speakers, including anatomist, author, and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts; geneticist and author of Control, Dr Adam Rutherford; human rights campaigner Lord Alf Dubs; writer and researcher on internet cultures Dr Phoenix CS Andrews; lecturer in International Relations and author of AngloArabia, David Wearing; author, broadcaster, and President of Humanists UK Janet Ellis MBE; and many more.